Scripture: Acts 2 v 1 - 4:
"And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."
Today is the Feast of Pentecost, it is a Jewish feast day first celebrated 50 days after the first Passover, when the Jews left Egypt to go into the Promised Land. It is also the day God the Father sent God the Holy Spirit to empower the followers of Jesus.
So we can expect God to fulfil the promise Jesus gave in Acts 1 v 8: "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."
Everything that happened to the Jews physically in the deliverance from Egypt, is repeated spiritually for the followers of Jesus. Egypt is a type of the sinful world full of oppression, pain and captivity. So when we come out of the world we are translated into the kingdom of light, our promised land.
Jesus is our Passover Lamb, whose Blood caused sin and spiritual death to be removed from us. He goes before us to help us escape the troubles of the world and to make us examples for sinners to desire what we have. We are born again into true freedom even in hard times, or places. Leaving Earth for Heaven is not a tragedy.
In the verses above the little word that jumps out to me is "and".....
1 when Pentecost arrived they were waiting together expectantly for something to happen.
2 suddenly they heard a sound. It was not a wind just the sound of a hurricane type wind. The sound filled the house where they sat.
3 tongues of fire appeared on their heads. Today its called being on fire for Jesus, as that is what it does.
4 they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak in tongues. He comes with gifts. He fills us with the presence and power of God.
That first outpouring of the Holy Spirit turned sombre, scared disciples into noisy and excited people. They were speaking loudly in tongues so much that people in the street heard them and said that they must all be drunk, even though it was only 9 a.m.
But others who had come from far distances to celebrate the feast of Pentecost, said they could understand the words spoken in foreign languages. These people are declaring the wonders and power of God. That is definitely what speaking, praying, or singing in tongues does for us. Worship in one accord, singing the high praises of God and receiving enlightenment from Him.
Pentecost is a time of rejoicing because ten days after the Ascension of Jesus, the Holy Spirit came down to fill the disciples with power the same as Jesus had when He was on Earth. The same day a revived Peter, preached to the crowds who had gathered around them and 3000 repented and were saved.
The crowd were also filled with the Holy Spirit. Peter wrote in Acts 2 v 38 - 39 that if they repented and were baptized they would receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, 'the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all who are far off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.'
The promise is to all of us afar off people to be filled with the Holy Spirit and speak in tongues, and have the other gifts flowing in our lives and ministries. We need to be in one Spirit to have unity in the Body. What of those in churches where none of the above is mentioned or practised? I was one of them who was a lifelong regular churchgoer but I only met Jesus and was born again at age 25.
How my life changed! It took another five years to discover I needed to be baptised and filled with the Holy Spirit but through sheer persistence Jesus got me there. What a blessed journey it has been since then. Never a dull moment! Very powerful things happen when we walk with God in the Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is known as Teacher, Friend, Helper, Comforter, Paraclete - One who comes alongside to assist. He has been on Earth for 2000 years building a church not made with hands. The church is made up of people who follow the Lamb without compromise. They are forgiven of sin, baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit and their names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life.
He enhances our lives immeasurably and always exalts Jesus. The nine gifts He brings have depths and layers that He adds to those who use His gifts with wisdom and integrity. So seek Him with all your heart and He will never disappoint you.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your promise to us that the Holy Spirit should come to followers of Jesus in all generations. Please open the hearts of those who don't know Him to receive this wonderful experience and blessing. In Jesus' name. Amen.
